Bill Text: IL HR1122 | 2011-2012 | 97th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Iola McGowan of Chicago.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-05-30 - Resolution Adopted [HR1122 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2011-HR1122-Introduced.html

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HR1122 LRB097 21765 KXB 70282 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Iola
McGowan of Chicago, who passed away on May 24, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Iola McGowan was born on September 8, 1936; proud
of her West Side roots, she graduated from Farragut High School
in 1954; she started a family and spearhead neighborhood
efforts in her area; she later graduated from Northeastern
Illinois University; and
WHEREAS, She began her political career at the precinct
level; she ascended through the ranks of the Democratic Party
to become the Director of Consumer Services for the City of
Chicago under former Mayor Jane Byrne, serving a 6-year term;
she was then appointed to head the Model Cities Community
Services program; she also developed an innovative classroom
coloring book to teach children about becoming educated
consumers; and
WHEREAS, She was a former Vice Chairman of the Illinois
State Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee;
and she served as a Chicago Park District Commissioner; and
WHEREAS, Iola McGowan was known as the "First Lady of the

HR1122 - 2 - LRB097 21765 KXB 70282 r
Westside" and served as the 29th Ward Committeeman for 4 years;
she also served on the Board of Cook County Department of
Corrections; and
WHEREAS, Iola McGowan was preceded in death by her husband,
Adam "Donald" McGowan; her mother, Ernestine Martin; and her
sister, Anna Pearson; and
WHEREAS, Iola McGowan is survived by her children, Rhonda
Stivers (fiance, Matthew), Gregory McGowan (Patricia), and
Allison McGowan (fiance, Shawn); her sister, Laverne Schaffer;
her grandchildren, Jason Stivers, Ashley McGowan, and Whitney
McGowan; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and
friends; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of
Iola McGowan; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Iola McGowan as a symbol of our
sincere sympathy.